Israel has announced it will deport pro-Palestinian activists from a flotilla of boats that were intercepted while attempting to breach its naval blockade of Gaza. The Israeli navy stated it stopped the vessels from entering what it calls an active combat zone.
The flotilla, named Global Sumud, set sail from Europe last month carrying activists and politicians, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. Their aim was to deliver aid and show support for Gaza, where the UN has warned of famine.
According to Israeli authorities, none of the approximately 45 boats successfully breached the blockade. The foreign ministry stated that the activists are being safely escorted to the port of Ashdod and will then be deported to Europe.
The flotilla’s organizers have condemned the interceptions as illegal, reporting that communications with several vessels were lost. Hamas, the group that controls Gaza, denounced Israel’s actions as “piracy.”
The incident has drawn international reactions. Turkey called the interception an “act of terrorism” and announced an investigation into the arrest of its citizens on board. Colombia’s president said he would expel Israeli diplomats in response.
European governments were divided in their response. Spain and Italy had provided naval escorts for their citizens on the flotilla but urged activists not to enter the exclusion zone. Spain’s Prime Minister stated the activists posed no threat, while Italy’s leader criticized the mission as unhelpful.
South Africa has called for the immediate release of the activists, who include Mandla Mandela, the grandson of Nelson Mandela. This is the latest in a series of flotillas that Israel has blocked this year.
